accessibility

accessibility

Creating Inclusive Spaces and Accessibility Guidelines for the Public Right-of-Way

Accessibility is a rapidly growing topic on municipality agendas as technology and new ideas emerge. Moreover, there are new guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) that address access to sidewalks and streets, crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, on-street parking, and other components of public right-of-way.

Creating Accessible and Inclusive Cities & Towns for Individuals with Disabilities: The Built Environment and Beyond

Introduction

Accessibility is well known as a requirement for parking, pathways, bathrooms, buildings, and programs. What is lesser known is the benefit accessible design provides to all citizens. The following addresses going beyond the minimum requirements for accessibility to create an inclusive and welcoming community that provides for the current and future needs of its citizens.

Exeter Pioneers Accessible Voting in 2023 Town Election

This year, the Town of Exeter became the first Town and the second municipality (after the City of Concord) in the State of New Hampshire to offer fully accessible voting to voters with vision impairments. It was a great success! Using the OmniBallot tablet, an accessible polling place ballot marking device, all voters were able to vote privately and independently for the first time in a town and school election. Voters used a tablet, keyboard, mouse, and headset to listen to the town warrant articles, navigate through the questions, and make their selections.

Virtual Town Meetings are More Efficient and Increase Participation

The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.

Dean Editorial